Pakistani man accused of blasphemy for not protesting Muhammad film
A Pakistani businessman who declined to take part in protests over an anti-Islam film now faces charges of blasphemy, which in Pakistan carries a death sentence.
Pakistani supporters of Jamaat-e-Ahle-e-Sunnat chant slogans during a demonstration that is part of widespread anger across the Muslim world about a film ridiculing Islam's Prophet Muhammad, in Karachi, Pakistan, Wednesday.
Fareed Khan/AP
Islamabad
Pakistani officials say they have opened an investigation into a businessman who has been accused of blasphemy after refusing to join protests over an anti-Islam video and allegedly trying to convince others also not to take part.
Police officer Munir Abbasi says that hundreds of protesters in the city of Hyderabad who rallied against the film that mocks the Prophet Muhammad demanded businessman Haji Nasrullah Khan shut his shops in solidarity.
When Khan refused, one of his tenants said his decision supported the film.
City police chief Fareed Jan said Wednesday the protesters claim Khan insulted the Prophet.
Jan said there's no evidence to suggest this happened and said police were pressured by the mob to open the case.
Blasphemy is punishable by life in prison or death in Pakistan.